FIGURE 2.
Photomicrographs of testes histologies from A) unexposed control F-344 rat; B) F-344 rat exposed to sub-chronic concentration of 75 μg benzo(a)pyrene /m3. Magnification bar = 250 μm. Though the seminiferous tubules appear qualitatively similar, the size of tubular lumens and length decreased in BaP-exposed rats, compared with controls. This indicates a reduction in spermatogenic activity and loss of fluid in the seminiferous tubules due to decreased testosterone production, thus the decreased testis size.